Konrad von Burgsdorff facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Konrad von Burgsdorff
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Konrad von Burgsdorff; bust in the Siegesallee, by Cuno von Uechtritz-Steinkirch
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| Born | 1 December 1595 Zehden (?)
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| Died | 11 February 1652 |
Konrad von Burgsdorff (1595-1652) was a very important official in the Electorate of Brandenburg, a powerful state in Germany long ago. He served as a top advisor, known as a Privy Councilor, and was in charge of all the fortresses there. He was also a knight in the Order of Saint John. Konrad was also part of the Fruitbearing Society, a group dedicated to making the German language more organized and standard.
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Konrad's Early Life and Career
Konrad von Burgsdorff was born in 1595. His father, Alexander Magnus von Burgsdorff, was a Captain. His mother, Katharina von Roebel, was the daughter of a Field Marshall.
When he was young, in 1609, Konrad became a close friend and companion to Prince George William. This prince later became the Elector of Brandenburg. In 1612, Konrad went with George William to school in Frankfurt an der Oder. They also traveled to the Duchy of Cleves.
Joining the Army
Konrad joined the army in 1614. He started as an officer candidate, called a Fähnrich. At one point, he was badly hurt in battle. People thought he had died, but he was found alive the next morning. It took him a whole year to get better.
When he returned to Brandenburg, he was made a Chamberlain. This meant he managed the Elector's household. He also joined George William's personal bodyguards. In 1620, he was promoted to Captain (Hauptmann).
Military Leadership and Successes
Konrad continued to rise in the military. In 1623, he became a Lieutenant Colonel (Oberstleutnant). He was asked to gather five groups of horsemen for the army. Three years later, he held the same rank in a foot soldier regiment.
In 1630, Konrad put together a special unit of 400 men from the bodyguards. He was promoted to Colonel (Oberst) in 1632. This new role put him in charge of two regiments, one with horsemen and one with foot soldiers.
Commanding Fortresses
Soon after, Konrad was given command of the city and Spandau Citadel. This was a very important fortress. After 1640, he also took charge of the town and fortress of Küstrin.
During the Thirty Years' War, a major conflict in Europe, Konrad fought in many battles and sieges. His successes made some people jealous. However, these attempts to bring him down did not work.
Family Life and Later Years
In 1636, Konrad von Burgsdorff married Elisabeth von Loeben. Her father was also a Privy Councilor. Konrad and Elisabeth had a daughter named Margarethe. She later married three times. The famous poet and diplomat, Friedrich von Canitz, was her son from her first marriage.
Serving a New Elector
George William died in 1641. His son, Frederick William, became the new Elector. Frederick William made Konrad a Councilor. He also put Konrad in charge of all the fortresses in the Electorate of Brandenburg.
In 1646, Frederick William sent Konrad to the Netherlands. His mission was to ask Frederick Henry, Prince of Orange if his daughter, Countess Louise Henriette of Nassau, would marry Frederick William. Konrad's mission was successful. However, this success eventually led to Konrad being dismissed from his duties in January 1652. He passed away just two weeks later. The reason for his death is not known.
